Through July 31, 2016 ESA tagged 216 bills for monitoring with 137 of those bills still pending or enacted into law. While most legislatures have adjourned for the year, several are in session and bills continue to move.

Illinois SB 2147 – was re-referred to ASSIGNMENTS Committee on July 31st . This Is a bill that would entitle all employees (full time or part time) up to seven paid sick days every year, with no regard to employer’s company size or ability to pay.

Massachusetts H 4129 – is a bill that would streamline the local permitting process for low voltage alarm systems projects and exempt wireless alarm systems from the permitting requirements. This bill was renumbered as H 4547 and passed the House on July 25, 2016.

Massachusetts H 4419 – is a municipal finance bill that seemingly had no connection to the alarm industry, until one of many amendments was added to the bill that would create a security systems commission to study electronic security licensing requirements. The commission would be composed of many representatives from electrical unions, systems contractors, legislators and trade associations, including ESA. While this amendment was adopted in the Senate under S 2430, it appears it was stripped from the version of the bill that ultimately passed both houses, H 4565. We shall see if this commission re-emerges.

New Jersey SB 1902 – is similar to Massachusetts H 4129 in that it would streamline the local permitting process for low-voltage alarms systems and exempt wireless alarms from permitting requirements. This bill was opposed by the New Jersey ESA on the grounds that permitting exemptions for wireless alarm systems would open the door for unlicensed contractors to do business and harm currently licensed alarm contractors. This assertion was disputed by the supporters of the bill and the Senate sponsor. The bill ultimately passed the Senate and is now under consideration in the House.

Rhode Island HB 7947 and SB 2758 – made several updates to the state fire code and references to NFPA along with updates to language on smoke and Carbon Monoxide alarms. These bills were signed by the Governor on July 13, 2016.

Bill Summary*

Alarm

16

Apprenticeship

8

Call Center

2

CCTV/Video/Audio

13

Employer Liability

6

Environmental

13

Facility Security

10

Fire/Life Safety

38

Low Voltage

13

Regulatory

32

Taxation

5

Telecommunications

10

*Some bills cover multiple subject areas

Go to www.esaweb.org/slr for a complete list of bills in the July 2016 State Legislative Report. Please contact Chris Heaton at Chris.Heaton@ESAweb.org or call (972) 807-6815 if additional information is needed.